Probe structure for physiological measurements using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy

ABSTRACT

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy is employed to obtain chemical data with respect to body tissue and cells. The chemical environments of stimulation implants and drug-delivery catheters are spectroscopically monitored in real time using an implantable probe. The probe includes a surface enhancer that facilitates surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy in opposing relation to an array of optical fibers. Light emitted by the optical fibers can be employed for chemical detection and/or tissue stimulation. Wavelength and optical power are selected based on whether the probe is employed for such detection or stimulation.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to implantable bio-probes fordetecting the presence of biological or other chemical materials usingsurface enhanced Raman and surface enhanced Terahertz-Ramanspectroscopies. Implantable probes are used in either steady states orin conjunction with dynamic transient processes.

Electromagnetic radiation spectrum covers a wide wavelength range, fromgamma-ray, x-ray, UV, visible light, infra-red (near and far IR),terahertz (THz), to microwave and radio wave. The energy levels in theIR (10 THz to 400 THz) and THz (0.1-10 THz) regions coincide withmolecular bond vibrational and rotational energies. Therefore, inscience and technology the IR and Terahertz regions of the radiationspectrum are typically used for chemical and molecular structureidentification. Each chemical and biological molecule and macromolecule(protein, enzyme) has its molecular vibrational and rotational energysignatures, unique finger prints to the species, detectable andidentifiable in the IR and THz spectrum region.

IR spectroscopy is widely used for chemical analysis. IR spectroscopytypically uses a “white” light (a broad band with all wave lengthsincluded) to illuminate the sample and detect the missing (absorbed)components in the spectrum, such implicating the presence of specificvibrational chemical bonds and, therefore the presence of the chemicalspecies. These vibrational bonds can also be probed using a singlewavelength laser to detect the spectrum of the scattered laser energy(called Raman scattering, or Raman spectroscopy). With the advancementof solid state lasers, such as quantum cascade lasers, and opticalfilters, Raman spectroscopy has become the favored technique in microand nano scale chemical and structural analysis, due to the accuracy andstability of modern microelectronics and optics.

Raman spectroscopy typically involves the illumination of a sample witha laser beam (with a well-defined wave length and tight half-width) andcollecting the radiation scattered by the illuminated sample foranalysis. LabRAM® ARAMIS from Horiba Scientific is one of suchinstrument with microscope and stepping function. Once illuminated bythe laser the electrons in the molecules in the sample can becomeexcited and either absorb or lose a photon. When the excited moleculereturns to its ground state it will emit a photon (light) with theenergy unique to the structure of the emitting molecule. If a moleculeabsorbs a photon and reemits, it's called Stoke's emission, otherwise,anti-Stoke's emission. With the aid of a well-focused laser Ramanspectra can be obtained from small volumes and allow the identificationof species present in the volumes.

Terahertz spectra lay between IR and microwave in the electromagneticspectrum. In technology, the Terahertz (sometime called mm wave) regionis also termed “Terahertz gap”. This is because there is almost nonatural occurring radiation source for terahertz. IR radiation isproduced by photon excitation which is best for >10 THz while microwaveradiation by electron excitation good for <0.1 THz. Due to thedifference in source and detection, THz spectroscopy is typically adifferent method from Raman spectroscopy which uses near-UV (NUV),visible and IR. Recently, however, a detection method has been developedby Ondax, Inc. which, using a volumetric filter, can combine Raman andTHz in a single system. Low energy phonons can also be detected using aBragGrate™ Notch Filter from OptiGrate Corp., for example, in volumetricholographic grating.

Biological molecules and macromolecules (protein/enzyme) are typicallyvery large molecules, containing thousands and millions of H, C, O, N,and other atoms with a well-defined and folded structure. Such largemolecules not only exhibit molecular bond vibration, they also havecollective motions (rotation, shear, breath, torsion). For a C—H bond,the vibrational energy is typically between 2700-3300 (l/cm) (or 80-100THz) depending on the type of the molecule the bond resides. For C—Cbond, the bond energy range (1200-1700 l/cm), (or 40-50 THz) alsodepending on the bond's environment. Typically, the heavier an atom thelower the vibrational energy, with all other factors being equal. IRRaman spectroscopy covers a range of 333-5000 l/cm. (10-150 THz). Energybelow 333 l/cm (0.1 to 10 THz) belong to Terahertz domain. For verylarge molecules such as macromolecules, additional vibrationalcollective modes occur. These collective motions have energy levels lowin the terahertz region (<333 l/cm, or <10 THz). Increasingly, THzspectroscopy, in conjunction with Raman spectroscopy, are used forprotein and macromolecule structural analysis.

Raman spectroscopy (333-5000 l/cm) can be employed to detect thepresence of biological and medical specimens, including organicmolecules such as proteins, glucose, and insulin most efficiently inpowder and in crystalline form. Raman is also used as light scattered insolution by analyte molecules is unique to the particular molecules,which allows the determination of the molecules that are present withinsolvent, tissue, or blood samples. For in-situ, in-vitro, and in-vivoanalysis, surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) can be used.Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a technique that enhancesRaman scattering by molecules interacting with rough metal surfaces ornanostructures. The enhancement mechanism relates to laser stimulatedsurface plasmon resonance in certain metals, Au, Ag, Pt, being mostcommon. When the incident laser frequency coincides with the surfaceplasmon, strong absorption and reemission of the laser energy occurs,and so too the signals from the molecules present on such surfaces.Surface plasmon resonance has been widely used in bio-sensors forbiomolecule antigens detection without the use of labeling agents.Advancements in nanotechnology have allowed nanoparticles suspended insolution and mixed with the chemical to be analyzed. The presence of thenanoparticles in the vicinity of such chemicals greatly enhances Ramandetectability. It is, however, difficult to introduce suspendedparticles in vivo. Biomolecules such as proteins have been detectedsuing SERS substrates. Nanopatterned bulk metallic glass (BMG) such asPt-BMG can enhance glucose detection. The enhancement of signalsobtained using SERS technology may include different modes from thoseobtained using traditional non-enhancing techniques as the symmetries ofdetected molecules can be changed, depending on the polarity of thelaser.

Implantable devices have been employed for various treatments such asdeep brain stimulation (DBS), as spinal cord implants for painmanagement, and for muscle stimulation therapies. Patients withParkinson's syndrome, for example, may benefit from DBS therapy. DBStherapy devices operate by providing electrical stimulation to thethalamus area of the brain via an implanted electrode to stimulate thebrain's motion control function that has been reduced by cellulardegeneration. Implantable devices are also used in the spinal cord forchronic pain control and in muscles to restore patient mobility lost tospinal cord injury. Coupled with micro-fluidic channels, deep implantsare used in gene therapy to deliver therapeutic drugs to targeted areas.

While electrical stimulation and targeted drug delivery have enabledmore accurate and better treatment for a number of medical conditions,the ability to monitor and detect the physiological and chemicalenvironment surrounding implanted probes has been limited. For example,in continuous glucose sensing and injection therapy, the sensing probeis designed for glucose only and with a limited lifetime. Moreover, itdoes not sense any other blood chemicals and requires replacement everycouple of days. In gene therapy, magnetic imaging and/or ultrasoundimaging can monitor the treatment progress, but they usually requirevisits to facilities having the necessary imaging equipment and do notprovide real time tissue and chemical information.

SUMMARY

Principles of the present disclosure provide techniques for obtainingreal time chemical information using Raman spectroscopy in vivo, ineither steady state detection or in conjunction with electricalstimulation and in physiological signaling (ion channel activation).

An exemplary assembly for detecting chemical materials usingsurface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy includes an elongate, implantableprobe housing having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and alongitudinal axis extending through the proximal and distal end portionsof the housing. A cavity extends through the distal end portion of thehousing and laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis thereof. Thedistal end portion of the housing includes a first surface bounding thecavity and configured for enhancing Raman spectroscopy. A plurality ofoptical fibers extends through the proximal end portion of the housing.At least a first one of the optical fibers is positioned for emittinglight into the cavity and at least a second one of the optical fibers ispositioned for receiving light scattered near the first surface of thedistal end portion of the housing.

A system for enabling the detection of chemical materials includes anassembly including an elongate, implantable probe housing having aproximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a longitudinal axisextending through the proximal and distal end portions of the housingand a cavity extending through the housing and laterally with respect tothe longitudinal axis thereof. The housing includes a first surfacebounding the cavity and configured for enhancing Raman spectroscopy. Theassembly further includes a plurality of optical fibers extendingthrough the proximal end portion of the housing, at least a first one ofthe optical fibers being positioned for emitting light into the cavity.At least a second one of the optical fibers is positioned for receivinglight scattered near the first surface of the distal end portion of thehousing. A detector is provided for processing scattered light. Thedetector is optically connected to at least the second one of theoptical fibers.

As used herein, “facilitating” an action includes performing the action,making the action easier, helping to carry the action out, or causingthe action to be performed. Thus, by way of example and not limitation,instructions executing on one processor might facilitate an actioncarried out by instructions executing on a remote processor, by sendingappropriate data or commands to cause or aid the action to be performed.

Substantial beneficial technical effects are provided. For example, oneor more embodiments may provide one or more of the following advantages:

-   -   Trace chemical sensing;    -   Facilitating cell stimulation;    -   Enhancing diagnostic and monitoring capability in vivo;    -   Deep tissue sensing and stimulation;    -   Ion channel investigation;    -   Surface-enhanced Raman (including Terahertz-Raman) spectroscopy.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description of illustrativeembodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description, given by way of example, will bestbe appreciated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic, cross-sectional view showing an exemplary probeassembly;

FIGS. 2A-2D include a flow diagram showing fabrication of an exemplaryoptical fiber bundle;

FIGS. 3A-3F include a flow diagram showing fabrication of an exemplaryprobe assembly including the optical fiber bundle;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic illustrations of exemplary probe surfacesfor facilitating surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a system including the exemplary probeassembly;

FIG. 6A is a schematic, cross-sectional view showing an exemplary probeassembly in accordance with a first alternative embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a schematic, cross-sectional view showing an exemplary probeassembly in accordance with a second alternative embodiment, and

FIG. 6C is a schematic, cross-sectional view showing an exemplary probeassembly in accordance with a third alternative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Principles of the present disclosure will be described herein in thecontext of illustrative embodiments. It is to be appreciated, however,that the specific embodiments and/or methods illustratively shown anddescribed herein are to be considered exemplary as opposed to limiting.Moreover, it will become apparent to those skilled in the art given theteachings herein that numerous modifications can be made to theembodiments shown that are within the scope of the claims. That is, nolimitations with respect to the embodiments shown and described hereinare intended or should be inferred.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a probe assembly 20 for deep implant invivo chemical sensing and optionally tissue stimulation. It will beappreciated that the probe assembly 20 may also be usable in some invitro applications. An exemplary probe assembly 20 includes aneedle-shaped housing 22 including distal and proximal end portions 22A,22B. The housing 22 is made from platinum (Pt), Pt-BMG or any materialthat is bio-compatible with the tissue in which it is to be implanted.The exemplary housing has a cylindrical configuration with ahemispherical distal end. The proximal end portion 22B of the probeassembly includes embedded optical fibers within a cylindrical housingportion. One or more of the fibers are input fibers 24A that areoptically connected to a laser source (not shown). The input fibers 24Aare coupled to a lens that focuses light at a selected target, asdiscussed further below. A gradient index (GRIN) lens is preferred.Gradient index lenses are commercially available. Grintech GmbH, forexample, provides GRIN lenses for applications in the field ofneuroscience. Other fiber(s) are return fibers 24B that are opticallyconnected to a laser spectrometer (not shown). In some embodiments, theoptical fibers 24A, 24B are incorporated within a bundle of single mode(monomode) fibers, each fiber having a core diameter of about eight toten microns (8-10 μm). The use of single mode fibers enablesminiaturization of the probe assembly 20. A GRIN lens may be employed tofocus the scattered light, which carries chemical information, prior toentry within the return fibers 24B. The diameter of the probe assembly20 is between 0.1 mm and 2.5 mm in some embodiments. Probes employed fordeep brain stimulation (DBS) typically have diameters of about 1.25 mm.In embodiments that allow the use of larger probe assemblies, bundles ofmulti-mode fibers may be feasible. Some embodiments may include gradedindex optical fibers. The bundle, which includes seven or more fibers inone or more embodiments, is branched into the input and output (return)fibers.

As further shown in FIG. 1, the probe housing 22 includes a cavity 26 or“eye” extending laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of theprobe housing. The exemplary probe assembly 20 accordingly resembles ablunt-ended needle having an eye extending through a distal regionthereof. The optical fibers in the exemplary probe assembly 20 have endsthat terminate at the proximal side of the cavity 26. Each fiber end canbe a straight terminated optical surface. The input fiber(s) may includea micro lens or ball(s) as needed to direct the light towards the targetor, as discussed above, is operatively associated with a GRIN lens tofocus the light on the target. In some embodiments, an input fiber 24Aincludes a distal end portion that is centrally located andsubstantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the probe assembly.The distal end portion of the input fiber or fiber bundle may comprise alens. The distal end of the input fiber 24A adjoins the cavity 26 and isin opposing relation to the probe surface that bounds the distal end ofthe cavity and facilitates SERS. As discussed further below, other inputfibers can be targeted away from the SERS-facilitating surface to enablelight stimulation of body tissue adjoining the probe assembly, suchtargeting being facilitated by a lens in one or more embodiments. Thelaser source accordingly has multiple targets in some embodiments thatare selectable from the input fibers 24A. The distal ends of the outputfibers 24B adjoin the same end of the cavity 26 as the input fiber(s)and form a generally circular array surrounding the end of the inputfiber(s) in some embodiments. The light from a laser source (not shownin FIG. 1) may pass through a band pass filter (such as a reflectingBragg grating (RBG) BragGrate™ band pass filter available, for example,from OptiGrate Corp.) prior to entering the input fiber 24A. The lightscattered within the cavity 26, schematically illustrated by arrowsincluding broken lines in FIG. 1, may pass through a notch filter (notshown) such as a BragGrate™ Notch Filter (BNF) intended for ultralow-frequency Raman spectroscopy. Such a notch filter is available fromOptigrate, Inc. and is employed prior to the light entering aspectrometer for analysis. Both the input band pass filter and the notchfilter are incorporated within the probe housing in some embodiments.The cavity 26 is configured to collect tissue and/or inter-cellularfluid from the area in which it is placed. In embodiments where theprobe assembly is maintained in the patient for sufficient time, tissuegrowth within the cavity is expected.

The probe surface opposing the distal ends of the optical fibers 24A,24B is configured to facilitate surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy(SERS) with respect to one or more chemical materials of interest. Insome embodiments, the surface opposing the distal ends of the opticalfibers is comprised of an array of nanorods 28 as schematicallyillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3B. The nanorods have sizes and shapes(height, pitch and 2D grids patterns, or random patterns) chosen tofacilitate SERS. A plane symmetry group is a mathematical classificationof two-dimensional (2D) repetitive patterns, there being seventeen (17)distinct groups. In addition to a random distribution of nanorods, aSERS-facilitating assembly incorporated within the probe assembly 20 mayoptionally include nanorods in any of the seventeen groups. The nanorodsmay need to be on a regular grid to match the incident light symmetry.In one exemplary embodiment, a p4mm symmetry group is employed forsquare grids. In another embodiment, a p6mm symmetry is employed forhexagonal close pack (HCP) grids. In a further embodiment, a pmm2symmetry is employed for rectangular symmetry grids. Bulk metallic glass(BMG) nanorods may be employed, such as platinum-based BMG nanorodshaving the composition Pt_(57.5)Cu_(14.7)Ni_(5.3)P_(22.5). Such nanorodshave dimensions, densities (spacing), orientations and aspect ratiosthat can be chosen based on the molecule(s) to be detected and analyzed.Exemplary Pt-BMG nanorods have diameters between five and five hundrednanometers (5-500 nm), aspect ratios (nanorod lengths/diameters) betweenone and ten, and average spacing between two and ten times nanoroddiameter. Nanorods having diameters of less than 200 nm are preferred insome exemplary embodiments. Nanorods having diameters of about onehundred nanometers may, for example, have heights of about one micron insome embodiments. Aspect ratios can be greater than ten in someembodiments. Nanorod heights in an array may or may not be equal. Insome exemplary embodiments, nanorod density is between (0.4 to 40)×10⁹nanorods/cm² (this corresponds to 500 nm to 50 nm pitch grids) andnanorod length is one micron or greater. The Pt-BMG nanorods can becoated with gold or silver nanoparticles to provide additional signalenhancement, though such coatings are not required as Pt-BMG nanorodsfacilitate SERS without any coatings for at least some molecules such asglucose. Nanorods formed from other materials, such as zinc oxide (ZnO),do not effectively facilitate SERS and accordingly should be coated witha metal such as silver. Pt-BMG nanorods can be fabricated by placing aPt-BMG alloy plate on a preheated alumina nanoporous mold locatedbetween planarized metal plates. Upon the application of a compressiveforce via the planarized plates above the glass transition temperatureof the alloy, the material begins to flow and enters the nanopores onthe exposed mold surface. While the Pt-BMG remains in an amorphous stateabove the glass transition temperature, the applied compressive force isincrementally increased to a maximum threshold ranging from 25-50 kNdependent on the nanorod diameter to be obtained. The duration ofprocessing time above the glass transition temperature is about sevenminutes to prevent crystallization of the Pt-BMG. The nanopatterned areaof the Pt-BMG substrate continues to increase radially in diameterduring the process. Once the desired substrate has been obtained, thealumina mold is dissolved in a potassium hydroxide solution. Thefinished substrate includes a base 29 having nanorods 28 extendingtherefrom, as schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4B. The nanoroddensity values are equivalent to the pore density of the alumina mold.The mold may include cylindrical nanopores for the production ofcylindrical nanorods. Other nanopore configurations can alternatively beemployed to form, for example, nanorods having triangular, semicircular,trapezoidal, or rectangular cross-sections. Combinations of differentlyshaped nanorods are formed in some embodiments. The nanorod pattern onthe base is also determined by the pattern of nanopores within the mold.The nanorods may be formed, for example, in a rectangular or hexagonalpattern. Combinations of patterns are also feasible.

While the nanorods are shown as extending generally parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the probe and cavity in FIG. 1, they mayalternatively extend radially with respect to the longitudinal axis orat other orientations for some applications. The base 29 from which thenanorods extend has a proximally facing planar surface in someembodiments. In other embodiments, the base 29 includes a concavesurface facing the distal ends of the optical fibers that facilitatesfocusing of the light within the cavity 26 and light collectionefficiency. The probe surface opposing the distal ends of the opticalfibers 24A, 24B may be comprised of materials other than Pt-BMG andstructures other than nanorods that facilitate SERS. Gold and silversurfaces including bio-compatible materials are among the possibleoptions. Metal (e.g. silver) nanoparticles in certain size ranges areemployable as SERS substrates. Randa and Mato substrates 30, asschematically illustrated in FIG. 4A, are a further option forincorporation within the probe assembly 20. Such substrates arecommercially available and can be cut to appropriate size for attachmentto the probe housing. Substrates including gold or silver deposited onsoda-lime glass can provide Raman signal enhancement. As schematicallyillustrated in FIG. 4A, the nanopattern on the substrate surfaceincludes features having a variety of sizes ranging, for example, fromtens of nanometers to hundreds of nanometers to which analyte molecules(not shown) may be attached when the probe assembly 20 is in use.Feature sizes are less than one hundred nanometers (100 nm) in someembodiments. Coatings of gold or silver particles that are also lessthan one hundred nanometers (100 nm) in average diameter facilitate astrong surface plasmon response. (Other possible coatings include, butare not necessarily limited to, platinum and titanium dioxide (TiO₂)).An analyte molecule in the vicinity of an effective plasmonic surface ischaracterized by increased absorption of the emitted light and anincreased Raman signal.

The distance between the probe surface 23 including the distal fiberends adjoining the cavity 26 and the opposing probe (SERS-facilitating)surface is in a range of about one hundred to two thousand microns (100μm to 2,000 μm) in some exemplary embodiments. This distance may bevariable depending on the dimension(s) of the surface features of theSERS-facilitating surface. The SERS-facilitating assembly 28, 29 of theSERS-facilitating surface is hydrophilic in some embodiments. Otherprobe housing surfaces, including the surfaces bounding the cavity 26,are also hydrophilic in some embodiments. Such hydrophilic cavitysurfaces may facilitate detection of some analytes. Hydrophilic probehousing surfaces can be obtained using conventional processes such aslow pressure plasma surface treatment or subjecting the surfaces toacid(s) to slightly dissolve the surface material. Pt-BMG nanorods arehydrophobic, but can be processed in such a manner to render themhydrophilic. In some embodiments, hydrophobic Pt-BMG nanorods areemployed within the probe assembly.

An exemplary fabrication process for obtaining a probe assembly 20 asdescribed above is described with reference to FIGS. 2A-2D and 3A-3F.FIG. 2A shows an input fiber 24A while FIG. 2B shows a fiber bundleincluding an array of six output fibers 24B positioned about thecircumference of the input fiber 24A. The output fibers 24B accordinglyform a circular configuration in the portions to be positioned withinthe probe housing 22. The portions of the fibers 24B extending outsidethe probe housing may be stacked on top of each other or in othersuitable configuration(s) to facilitate connection to the spectrometeremployed. The distal ends of the optical fibers 24A, 24B are polishedand coplanar in some embodiments. Both the input and output fibers areoperatively associated with lenses such as GRIN lenses in exemplaryembodiments. As discussed above, the fibers can be monomode fibers toallow small probe dimensions (for spectroscopic requirement to reducelight dispersion.) In some embodiments, the casing 25 is extruded. Anbio-compatible coating material such as parylene may comprise the outersurface of the casing 25. The encased fiber bundle is positioned withina cylindrical housing that later forms the proximal end portion 22B ofthe probe housing as shown in FIG. 1. A Pt-BMG housing having thecomposition Pt_(57.5)Cu_(14.7)Ni_(5.3)P_(22.5) is employed in someembodiments. Other bio-compatible housing materials include platinum,glass, and titanium. The selection of housing materials and coatingsthereon depend in part on the intended application of the probeassembly.

The distal end portion 22A of the housing may also be formed from Pt-BMGhaving the same composition as the proximal end portion thereof. Othermaterials, such as those identified above with respect to the proximalend portion 22B of the housing, may alternatively be employed. Asschematically illustrated in FIG. 3A, a substrate 50 having ahemispherical distal end and a cylindrical body is cast from Pt-BMG,glass, titanium or other suitable material, possibly further including aconformal coating of parylene or other suitable material forbiocompatibility. The diameter of the cylindrical body and the proximalend portion 22B of the probe assembly are the same in some embodiments.A slot 51 is formed in the cylindrical body, leaving a pair ofprojections 52 having opposing flat surfaces and a proximally facingsurface 53 from which the projections 52 extend. A laser cutter may beemployed to form the slot 51. In some embodiments, the surface 53 isconcave to facilitate reflection from the SERS-enhancing later formedthereon or secured thereto. The surface 53 is planar in otherembodiments. A SERS-facilitating assembly is cut to size and secured tothe proximally facing surface 53. As discussed above, theSERS-facilitating assembly may include a base 29 having nanorods 28extending therefrom. Such SERS-facilitating assemblies can be fabricatedfrom Pt-BMG using the process described above and cutting (dicing) theresulting structure to obtain SERS-facilitating assemblies sized to fitwithin the distal end portion 22A of the probe housing, as shown in FIG.3C. The base of the assembly is laser welded to the distal end portionof the probe housing to obtain the structure 54 shown in FIG. 3D. Thenanorods 28 in some embodiments extend parallel to the longitudinal axisof the probe assembly 20. (The nanorods 28 are greatly enlarged in FIGS.3C and 3D for purposes of illustration.) As further discussed above,other types of SERS-facilitating structures can instead be incorporatedwithin the probe assembly. The structure 54 including theSERS-facilitating assembly is aligned with the pre-assembled proximalend portion 22B of the probe housing that contains the fiber bundle. Asshown in FIG. 3E, the longitudinal axes of the two structures arealigned such that the nanorods are in opposing relation to the distalends of the optical fibers 24A, 24B. The housing portions 22A, 22B arejoined by laser welding or other suitable process to obtain the probeassembly 20 shown in FIG. 3F. In the exemplary process, the ends of theprojections 52 are welded to the end surface of the proximal housingportion 22B so that a cavity 26 extends through the probe assembly andlaterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the probe assembly.The length of the slot 51 is the same as the length of the cavity 26within the probe assembly formed upon attachment of the housing portions22A, 22B to each other. The resulting probe assembly may be cleaned andpolished prior to use.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 3F, the positioning of the optical fibersand the opposing probe surface facilitate the detection of molecules aswell as light collection, enabling trace chemical analysis in tissue andbody fluids such as blood. The dimensions of the cavity 26, thesubstrate used for attaching analyte molecules, and the wavelength ofthe light entering the cavity are among the variables tailored forspecific applications. A laser source for performing SERS may, forexample, be employed for providing 532 nm (green), 632 nm (red), 785 nm(NIR), 1032 nm, or other wavelengths. Terahertz (THz) radiation canalternatively be emitted into the cavity 26 using solid state lasers. ATerahertz-Raman spectroscope, incorporating a BragGrate™ Notch Filter(BNF) and mono-mode optical fiber bundles, is particularly suitable forsome embodiments of the probe assembly where Raman SERS is employed todetect terahertz signatures from macro-molecules such as proteins. Laserwavelength and/or intensity are selected to perform SERS in someapplications and for tissue stimulation in other applications of theprobe assembly. Deep brain sensing and stimulation are feasible usingsome embodiments of the probe assembly configured for use in thethalamus or hypothalamus regions. The probe assembly 20 can be employedby introducing it to a selected area that is to be monitored, forexample the brain, an intramuscular area, or an organ. Probe assemblyimplantation can be facilitated by employing a plastic or glassimplanter (not shown) that encases the probe assembly during insertion.The implanter is removed to expose the cavity 26 once the probe assembly20 is properly positioned.

FIG. 5 shows a system including an exemplary probe assembly 20 used inconjunction with operatively associated devices. The input fiber(s) ofthe probe assembly are optically connected to a laser source 32 whilethe output fiber(s) are optically connected to a detector 34 such as aspectrometer. In some embodiments, the laser source is a distributedfeedback laser (DFB) such as a quantum cascade laser (QCL). The lasersource 32 is an external unit in some embodiments and is integral withthe probe assembly 20 in other embodiments. The detector 34 may also bean external unit in some embodiments and integral with the probeassembly in other embodiments. The probe assembly may further include anintegrated circuit including an antenna (not shown) electricallyconnected to the detector for transmitting spectroscopic data wirelesslyfrom the probe assembly. A power supply (not shown) is incorporatedwithin the probe assembly in some embodiments including integral lasersources and antennas. In some embodiments, the spectrometer, lasersource and power supply are provided within a housing 44 that is worn bythe patient. An optional antenna within the housing 44 allows data fromthe spectrometer to be obtained wirelessly. A computer 36 having anoptional display is operatively associated with the detector 34. In thisexemplary use, the probe assembly 20 is implanted within body tissue 38.The probe assembly 20 may be encased within an implanter body (notshown) to protect the cavity 26 until it is positioned at the desiredlocation within the tissue. The cavity 26 is then exposed to allow theadmission of inter-cellular fluids and/or tissue therein for subsequentdetection using Raman spectroscopy. Chemical sensing can be conductedwithin or outside cell walls using probe assemblies containingSERS-facilitating structures such as nanorods, as discussed above. Animplant 40 is positioned within the tissue 38 in proximity to the probeassembly 20. In some embodiments, the implant 40 comprises amicrofluidic catheter and is used for delivering pharmaceuticalpreparations within a controlled target area. (The microfluidic catheteris also employed for retrieving bodily fluids in some embodiments.) Insuch embodiments, the implant is connected to a device 42 for causingthe catheter to deliver correct doses of medication at precise time(s).In other exemplary embodiments, the implant 40 is configured forproviding electrical stimulation to a precise area of the tissue 38.Implants have been developed to provide, for example, deep brainstimulation through the use of an array of electrodes. Positioning ofthe implant 40 and probe assembly 20 may be facilitated through the useof magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT scans, or other techniques.Stylets and insertion cannulas may be used to introduce some implantsdesigned for providing electrical brain stimulation, as known in theart. The implant for providing electrical stimulation is connected to adevice 42 such as a pulse generator configured to control the amount andduration of electrical stimulation. The device can be implanted withinthe body or worn outside the body of the patient. Operation of thedevice 42 and/or the laser source 32 is controlled by the computer 36that processes information obtained from the detector 34. Electricaltissue stimulation, light stimulation, and/or drug delivery can becontrolled based on real time spectroscopic data obtained using theprobe assembly 20. Deep brain laser light stimulation has also beenproposed as a technique for treating medical conditions by stimulatingcells without damaging or destroying them. The probe assembly 20discussed herein can be used to provide such laser light stimulation orbe used in conjunction with an implant specifically designed for lightstimulation or for providing multiple types of cell stimulation. Whilethe probe assembly 20 and implant 40 are shown as individual elements inFIG. 5, they may be arranged as an integral structure in someembodiments.

The exemplary probe assembly 20 shown in FIG. 5 is employed tospectroscopically detect the chemical environment in which the implant40 operates in real time. It can be further employed to provide laserlight stimulation to the surrounding tissue, possibly facilitating drugabsorption by the cells in embodiments wherein catheters or otherdrug-delivery vehicles in proximity to the probe assembly are employedto provide pharmaceutical preparations. Electrical stimulation and/orpharmaceutical delivery can be adjusted based on the spectroscopicinformation that is obtained from the probe assembly. In someembodiments, such adjustments are based on the detection of traceneurotransmitter chemical materials. The chemical information obtainedcan be used as a basis for adjusting the timing and/or dosage ofpharmaceutical delivery to the tissue adjoining the implant 40 and probeassembly 20 and/or to indicate the need for stimulating the tissuethrough laser light emission(s) of an appropriate wavelength. The probeassembly 20 allows monitoring of chemical activities in vivo using SERSand, in at least some embodiments, activating cellular channels if thehealing process reduces the amount of plasma fluids in an area ofinterest. The SERS-facilitating surface of the probe assembly and thewavelength of the light transmitted into the probe cavity 26 areselected to enhance detection of chemicals of interest. Biologicaltargets such as insulin, lysozyme, and dopamine are sensitive toinfrared (IR) or near-IR light (785 nm). Live tissue applications mayinvolve the exposure of membrane proteins such as sodium channels or Gproteins to laser light emitted by the probe assembly. When the probeassembly is employed for cell stimulation, the laser wavelength isselected to affect only the molecules of interest. In embodiments wherenanorods are employed to facilitate SERS, they also provide physicalanchoring within the body tissue 38 as cells grow within the cavity 26.Nanorod spacing (pitch) in the range of 100-200 nm can inhibit foreignbody rejection and help avoid foreign body rejection of the probeassembly due to “body heal.” Nanorod lengths exceeding one micronfacilitate such multi-purpose functionality, and nanorod lengths of oneto ten microns are preferable in at least some applications such aswhere chemical sensing both within and outside cell walls is desired.Light activation of cell wall channels may facilitate nanorodpositioning through cell walls.

Probe assemblies as described above can be employed for use within braintissue, muscles, and other human/animal organs for chemical detectionand/or stimulation. They can alternatively be employed within planttissue or in non-living structures for trace chemical detection. In somein vivo uses, the probe assembly 20 is positioned within body tissuesuch as brain tissue where it remains in place for a sufficient time forintercellular fluids to move within the cavity 26 and/or for cell growthto penetrate the cavity. An implant 40 may or may not be positionedwithin the body tissue at the same time as the probe assembly. The lasersource is activated to cause light to be emitted from the input fiber(s)24A. The wavelength of the emitted light and optical power are selectedin some instances to stimulate tissue surrounding the cavity. Lightstimulation of deep tissue is feasible using the probe assembly 20 asdescribed above or including additional input fibers specificallyintended for tissue stimulation as opposed to SERS.

In embodiments of the probe assembly where tissue light stimulation inaddition to surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy is to be provided, theSERS area 28 and SERS base 29 (with nano-rods or other structures) arerelatively small (100 μm×100 μm or less, to maintain a goodspectroscopic accuracy. (FIG. 3C shows an exemplary structure includingsuch elements 28, 29 prior to incorporation within a distal housingportion 22A.) The total distal base area defined by the proximallyfacing surface 53 is about 1 mm×1 mm in an exemplary structure, muchlarger than the SERS area and associated base 29. (The figures are notdrawn to scale.) Some of the incident fibers 24A (or, with reference toFIG. 6C, 124A) (10-50 μm in diameter) are arranged to direct light tothe distal area 53 outside of the SERS area 28, 29. The probe assemblyis configured for focusing light emitted by the fibers to selectedtargets, which include the SERS elements 28, 29 and optionally an areadisplaced from the SERS elements. As known in the art, gradient index(GRIN) lenses can be paired with optical fibers for focusing light.Commercially available assemblies that may be employed in someembodiments include sleeves for receiving GRIN lenses through one endand a pigtailed ferrule including one or more optical fibers into theopposite end. Thorlabs Inc., Newton, N.J. is among the manufacturers ofsuch assemblies. If the distal housing portion 22A is transparent to thelight emitted by the input fibers, light emanating from the housingportion 22A can be used to scatter the light into the tissues where thehemispherically shaped end and optional texturing will assist the lightscattering. The stimulation laser can be the same SERS laser 32 but usesfiber bundles that are not focused on the SERS area 28, 29. As paryleneis transparent, the coating of the distal housing portion 22A with sucha polymer does not inhibit light stimulation of the surrounding tissue.

FIG. 6C shows an exemplary probe assembly 20C configured forfacilitating SERS and providing light stimulation of nearby tissue. Thesame reference numerals are employed in this figure to designateelements that are the same or substantially similar to those found inthe preceding figures. Two input fibers 24A, 124A are incorporatedwithin the proximal housing portion 22B of the probe assembly 20C andare positioned for emitting light into the slot 26 and towards thedistal housing portion 22A. The first input fiber 24A (or bundle ofinput fibers) is positioned to cause Raman scattering by moleculesinteracting with the area configured for enhancing SERS, for examplenanorods 28. A GRIN lens is preferably coupled to the input fiber orfiber bundle to focus the light on the SERS-enhancing area. Reflectedlight is gathered by output fibers, which are not shown in this figure.The second input fiber 124A is arranged to direct light to an area 29Aforming a transmission target outside the area configured for enhancingSERS. A GRIN lens may be provided for focusing light from the secondinput fiber or fiber bundle. In some embodiments, this area 29A includesan anti-reflective (AR) coating, the choice of which depends on thewavelength of the light to be emitted by the input fiber 124A to causetissue stimulation. An anti-reflective coating is also provided on theouter surface of the distal housing portion 22A in some embodiments. Asdiscussed above, the area occupied by the SERS-facilitating assembly ismuch smaller than the area of the proximally-facing end surface of thedistal housing portion 22A in some embodiments, facilitating the dualpurpose of the exemplary probe assembly 20C of providing lightstimulation of surrounding tissue and obtaining chemical informationfrom light scattered by molecules interacting with the SERS-facilitatingassembly. The distal housing portion 22A of the exemplary probe assembly20C is transparent (e.g. glass) so that light 124B emitted by the secondinput fiber 124A escapes the probe assembly. In some embodiments, thedistal end of the distal housing portion 22A is both spherical andtextured. The housing surface may itself have a rough, textured surfaceto enhance light scattering or a transparent coating thereon may insteadhave a textured surface.

In some embodiments, the wavelength and/or optical power are chosen tofacilitate the detection of materials, for example proteins or enzymes,within the cavity 26. In the latter case, signals obtained are enhancedby the interaction of the detected material with the probe surface (e.g.BMG nanorods) opposing the input fiber(s), enabling SERS. In someembodiments, the probe assembly 20 is employed to determine the efficacyof laser light stimulation by spectroscopically determining whether ornot the adjoining, light-stimulated cells have produced targetedmaterials. As discussed above, the probe assembly 20 is employed inconjunction with an implant 40 in some embodiments. The implant andprobe assembly are positioned within several millimeters of each otherin some applications. If both are positioned in selected brain tissue,such as a targeted region of the subthalamus, the efficacy of varioustypes of treatments on the production of neurotransmitters such asdopamine can be detected. Such treatments may include laser lightstimulation and/or electrical stimulation. Light and/or electricalstimulation of the body tissue is performed by the probe assembly itselfin some embodiments rather than an adjoining implant. In embodimentswherein the implant 40 includes a catheter for delivering pharmaceuticalpreparations, the SERS enabled by the probe assembly may help determinethe effects of such preparations on the surrounding tissue in real time.

FIGS. 6A and 6B schematically illustrate two further exemplary probeassemblies 20A, 20B. Both probe assemblies are configured for enablingSERS as well as the electrical stimulation of tissue. The same referencenumerals are employed in these figures to designate elements that arethe same or substantially similar to those found in the precedingfigures. The probe assembly depicted in FIG. 6A is similar to that shownin FIG. 1 in that it includes a surface for enhancing Raman spectroscopynear the distal end of the probe housing 22. While nanorods 28 areprovided in the exemplary structure, other materials and types ofsurfaces can be alternatively employed. Nanorods having an aspect ratio(height to diameter) between one and ten and a pitch ratio (ratio ofdiameter to distance between nanorods) of two to ten are employed insome embodiments. A pitch ratio of three or less is used in someembodiments as cells will tend to stay on the surfaces of the nano-rods.The chemicals sensed in such embodiments are mostly extracellularmolecules. In other embodiments, the pitch ratio is four or more suchthat the nano-rods tend to become embedded into the cells and thereforedetect inter-cellular chemicals. The surface can comprise Pt-BMG, Au,Ag, TiO₂ or other materials that facilitate SERS. A slot 26 near thedistal end of the probe assembly 20A forms a light cavity. The input andoutput fibers 24A, 24B adjoin the light cavity. Light emitted by theoutput fiber(s) is targeted at the SERS-facilitating surface (e.g.nanorods 28) while the output fibers are configured to receive lightscattered by molecule(s) interacting with the SERS-facilitating surface.Input fibers may further be targeted away from the SERS-facilitatingsurface for the purpose of providing light stimulation to surroundingtissue. As described above, the distal end portion 22A of the housingmay be transparent if the probe assembly is intended to further providelight stimulation. A plurality of electrodes 21 are attached to theouter surface of the proximal portion 22B of the probe housing 22. Theelectrodes may be in the form of a plurality of metal rings locatedproximal to the light cavity. In some embodiments, an electrode cancompletely encircle the probe housing in order to provideomnidirectional tissue stimulation. In other embodiments, the electrodecomprises several ring segments that facilitate directional stimulation.Unipolar and bipolar deep brain stimulation using the electrodes arealso feasible in some embodiments. Unipolar stimulation is provided whenall of the electrodes are activated at the same time. Bipolarstimulation, wherein one electrode contact functions as an anode whileanother functions as a cathode, generally produces a more focused areaof tissue stimulation than is obtained using unipolar stimulation. Theelectrodes 21 are electrically connected to a device such as a pulsegenerator. Amplitude, frequency and length (pulse-width) of stimulationcan be selected and/or adjusted depending on the condition being treatedand/or detected treatment results. The configuration of the probeassembly 20A may accordingly enable light stimulation of surroundingtissue, electrical stimulation of surrounding tissue, and detection ofmolecules interacting with the SERS-facilitating surface (e.g. nanorods28). In some embodiments, a laser source including an ultranarrowbandnotch filter is employed in conjunction with a monomode input fiber 24Ain the probe assembly 6A for terahertz-Raman spectroscopy. Notch filtersincluding volume holographic gratings have been developed forfacilitating terahertz-Raman spectroscopy.

The probe assembly 20B shown in FIG. 6B includes electrodes 21 locateddistally of the slot that forms the light cavity 26. The probe housingincludes a cylindrical distal end portion 122A which supports thering-shaped electrodes 21. One end of the distal end portion is formedas a hemisphere. The opposite end 25, which is integral with the distalend portion 122A in some embodiments, includes a pair of projectionssimilar to those described with respect to FIG. 3B. A light cavity isformed by a slot 26 between the two projections. The proximal endportion 122B of the probe assembly housing is cylindrical and containsthe input and output fibers 24A, 24B. SERS-facilitating structure(s)such as nanorods 28 are incorporated within the light cavity andpositioned to receive light emitted by the input fiber(s). The outputfibers 24B are positioned to receive light scattered by moleculesinteracting with the SERS-facilitating structures. The dimensions of theprobe assemblies 20A and 20B may be about the same as those describedabove with respect to the probe assembly 20. All of the disclosed probeassemblies 20, 20A, 20B and 20C can be employed for terahertz-Ramanspectroscopy.

Given the discussion thus far, an exemplary method for obtainingchemical data includes obtaining a probe assembly 20 including a probehousing 22, a cavity 26 extending through the probe housing, a pluralityof optical fibers 24A, 24B within the probe housing, and a probe housingsurface adjoining the cavity and configured for enhancing Ramanspectroscopy. FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate exemplary distal probe housingsurfaces configured for SERS. The probe assembly is positioned withinbody tissue 38, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 5. Monochromaticlight having a first wavelength is emitted by one or more of the opticalfibers 24A and towards the distal probe housing surface adjoining thecavity 26. Surface enhanced Raman scattered light generated within thecavity 26 is conveyed to a detector 34 for spectral analysis of thescattered light via one or more of the optical fibers 24B. PortableRaman detector systems are employed in some embodiments. Such detectorsare commercially available. In some embodiments, the probe assemblyfurther includes a gradient index lens operatively associated with theone or more of the optical fibers for focusing the monochromatic lighton the probe housing surface configured for enhancing Ramanspectroscopy. The distal probe housing surface adjoining the cavity 26includes BMG nanorods 28 in some embodiments such as Pt-BMG nanorods. Insome embodiments, the BMG nanorods are caused to be positioned bothwithin and outside cell walls within the body tissue. Accordingly,chemical sensing can be made both within and outside the cell walls insome embodiments. The extension of the nanorods through cell walls iscaused by cell diffusion towards the cavity and by using lightactivation of the cell wall channels. Such light activation is providedin some embodiments by the emission of laser light of a selectedwavelength by the input fiber(s), such as described above with referenceto FIG. 6C. The wavelength and optical power of the light emitted forlight activation may or may not be the same as those used for chemicalanalysis using the SERS technique. Some embodiments of the methodinclude introducing a catheter or an electrical stimulator within thebody tissue in proximity to the probe assembly 20. In embodimentsincluding a catheter, a pharmaceutical preparation is introduced intothe body tissue through the distal end of the catheter and the detectoris used to determine an effect of the pharmaceutical preparation on thebody tissue proximate to the probe assembly. The pharmaceutical deliverysystem may alternatively or additionally retrieve bodily fluid forexternal chemical analysis. In embodiments wherein electricalstimulation of body tissue near the probe assembly is to be provided,the body tissue is subjected to electrical stimulation using either animplant or electrodes 21 mounted to the probe assembly and the detectoris used to determine an effect of the electrical stimulation on the bodytissue. In vivo determination of the effects of light and/or electricalstimulation and of pharmaceutical preparations is facilitated by theprobe assembly. In some embodiments, both the input and scattered lightare within the terahertz spectrum. In some other embodiments, the inputand scattered light are in the infrared (IR) range, but the system isconfigured for resolving chemical signatures in the terahertz region(“IR carried terahertz”). The laser source and spectrometer both operatein the visible and IR regions in some embodiments, and both can operatein the terahertz range in some embodiments. In one or more embodiments,the laser source produces light in the visible and IR ranges while thespectrometer is configured for providing chemical signatures in thevisible, IR and terahertz regions.

An exemplary assembly for detecting chemical materials usingsurface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy includes an elongate, implantableprobe housing 22 having a proximal end portion 22B, a distal end portion22A, and a longitudinal axis extending through the proximal and distalend portions of the housing. A cavity 26 extends through the housing andlaterally with respect to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments,the cavity 26 extends through the distal end portion 22A of the housing.A first surface of the distal end portion 22A bounds the cavity 26 andis configured for enhancing Raman spectroscopy. As discussed above, thefirst surface may include structures as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B orother structures that facilitate SERS. The proximal end portion of thehousing 22 includes a second surface 23 bounding the cavity and inopposing relation to the first surface. A plurality of optical fibers24A, 24B extends through the proximal end portion 22B of the housing, atleast a first one 24A of the optical fibers being positioned foremitting light into the cavity and at least a second one 24B of theoptical fibers being positioned for receiving light scattered near thefirst surface (the SERS-facilitating region) of the distal end portion22A of the housing. In some embodiments, the assembly further includes alaser source 32 optically connected to the first one 24A of the opticalfibers. The assembly may further include a detector 34 for conductingspectral analysis of scattered light optically connected to at least thesecond one 24B of the optical fibers. The first surface of the distalend portion 22A of the housing comprises hydrophilic bulk metallic glassnanorods 28 in some embodiments, such as Pt-BMG nanorods. The nanorodsare at least one micron in length in some embodiments. The nanorodsadjoin a base 29 having a planar surface in some embodiments and aconcave surface facing the cavity 26 in other embodiments. The first(SERS-facilitating) surface of the distal end portion of the housingbounding the cavity 26 and the second surface 23 of the proximal endportion bounding the cavity are between about one hundred and twothousand microns from each other in some embodiments. As discussedherein, the SERS-facilitating surface may include nanorods or othernon-planar surface features such as schematically illustrated in FIGS.4A and 4B; the distance between the surface 23 and the SERS-facilitatingsurface is accordingly in a range. The optical fibers are monomodefibers in some embodiments to facilitate miniaturization.

An exemplary system is further provided for obtaining spectroscopic dataand using such data to control light stimulation, electricalstimulation, and/or drug delivery within body tissue. The systemincludes an assembly including an elongate, implantable probe housinghaving a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a longitudinalaxis extending through the proximal and distal end portions of thehousing. A cavity 26 extends through the distal end portion of thehousing in some embodiments and laterally with respect to thelongitudinal axis thereof, the distal end portion of the housingincluding a first surface bounding the cavity and configured forenhancing Raman spectroscopy. FIGS. 4A and 4B show exemplary structuresthat form the first surface in some embodiments. The proximal endportion including a second surface 23 bounding the cavity and inopposing relation to the first surface. A plurality of optical fibersextends through the proximal end portion of the housing, at least afirst one 24A of the optical fibers being positioned for emitting lightinto the cavity and at least a second one 24B of the optical fibersbeing positioned for receiving light scattered near the first surface ofthe distal end portion of the housing. The system may further include animplant proximal to the assembly, the implant configured for providingat least one of electrical body tissue stimulation, light stimulation,and pharmaceutical delivery. As discussed above, electrical stimulationis provided by electrodes on the probe housing in some embodiments. Adetector for processing scattered light is optically connected to atleast the second one 24B of the optical fibers. The system can beadapted for covering spectrum ranges from visible light to millimeterwavelengths to obtain spectroscopic data.

A method of fabricating a probe assembly for chemical sensing is furtherprovided. Such a method includes obtaining a distal housing portionincluding a proximal surface 53, a pair of opposing projections 52extending from the proximal surface, and a slot 51 between the pair ofopposing projections. FIG. 3B shows an exemplary distal housing portion,it being appreciated that the length of the distal housing portion isgreater in some embodiments such as that shown in FIG. 6B. ASERS-facilitating assembly including nanorods 28 is positioned withinthe slot 51 and attached (e.g. welded) to the distal housing portion. Abundle of optical fibers is connected to the distal housing portion suchthat one or more of the optical fibers are in opposing relation to theSERS-facilitating assembly and at least a first optical fiber 24A withinthe bundle of optical fibers is positioned for emitting light into theslot, targeting the SERS-facilitating assembly. An optically coupledlens facilitates such targeting in some embodiments; the optical fiber24A as shown is understood as incorporating a lens in one or moreembodiments. At least a second optical fiber 24B within the bundle ofoptical fibers is positioned for receiving light scattered near theSERS-facilitating assembly. In one or more embodiments, obtaining thedistal housing portion includes obtaining a substrate including acylindrical body having distal and proximal end portions, the distal endportion being hemispherical. An exemplary substrate is shown in FIG. 3A.The slot 51 is formed in the proximal end portion of the cylindricalbody.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the various embodiments, and they arenot intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements andfeatures of apparatus and systems that might make use of the assembliesand techniques described herein. Many other embodiments will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art given the teachings herein; otherembodiments are utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural andlogical substitutions and changes can be made without departing from thescope of this disclosure. It should also be noted that, in somealternative implementations, some of the steps of the exemplary methodsmay occur out of the order noted in the specification and/or figures.For example, two steps shown in succession may, in fact, be executedsubstantially concurrently, or certain steps may sometimes be executedin the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Thedrawings are also merely representational and are not drawn to scale.Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Embodiments are referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, bythe term “embodiment” merely for convenience and without intending tolimit the scope of this application to any single embodiment orinventive concept if more than one is, in fact, shown. Thus, althoughspecific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, itshould be understood that an arrangement achieving the same purpose canbe substituted for the specific embodiment(s) shown; that is, thisdisclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations ofvarious embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and otherembodiments not specifically described herein, will become apparent tothose of skill in the art given the teachings herein.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It willbe further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,”when used in this specification, specify the presence of statedfeatures, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Terms such as“above” and “below” are used to indicate relative positioning ofelements or structures to each other as opposed to relative elevation.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of anymeans or step-plus-function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the various embodiments has been presented for purposesof illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing fromthe scope and spirit thereof. The embodiments were chosen and describedin order to best explain principles and practical applications, and toenable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the variousembodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particularuse contemplated.

The abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), whichrequires an abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain thenature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with theunderstanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scopeor meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing DetailedDescription, it can be seen that various features are grouped togetherin a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the claimed embodiments require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the appended claims reflect,the claimed subject matter may lie in less than all features of a singleembodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into theDetailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as separatelyclaimed subject matter.

Given the teachings provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the artwill be able to contemplate other implementations and applications ofthe techniques and disclosed embodiments. Although illustrativeembodiments have been described herein with reference to theaccompanying drawings, it is to be understood that illustrativeembodiments are not limited to those precise embodiments, and thatvarious other changes and modifications are made therein by one skilledin the art without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An assembly for detecting chemical materialsusing surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, comprising: an elongate,implantable probe housing having a proximal end portion, a distal endportion, and a longitudinal axis extending through the proximal anddistal end portions of the housing; a cavity extending through thehousing and laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis thereof, theprobe housing including a lateral opening for allowing admission offluid into the cavity; a first surface comprising a metal, the firstsurface bounding a distal end of the cavity and including nanostructuresconfigured for enhancing Raman spectroscopy via surface plasmonresonance; a plurality of optical fibers extending through the proximalend portion of the housing, at least a first one of the optical fibersbeing positioned for emitting light into the cavity and at least asecond one of the optical fibers being positioned for receiving lightscattered near the first surface of the distal end portion of thehousing, the first one of the optical fibers having a distal end inopposing relation to the nanostructures.
 2. The assembly of claim 1,further including a laser source optically connected to the first one ofthe optical fibers.
 3. The assembly of claim 2, further including adetector for conducting spectral analysis of scattered light, thedetector being optically connected to at least the second one of theoptical fibers.
 4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofoptical fibers further includes a third optical fiber, the first one ofthe optical fibers being operable to emit light towards thenanostructures within the first surface of the distal end portion of thehousing and the third optical fiber being operable to emit light towardsa target displaced from the first surface of the distal end portion ofthe housing.
 5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the first surfacecomprises a gold or silver coating.
 6. The assembly of claim 4, whereinthe distal end portion of the housing includes a first cylindrical bodyportion having a transparent, hemispherical end portion.
 7. The assemblyof claim 6, wherein the hemispherical end portion has a textured outersurface, and the distal end portion of the housing includes ananti-reflective coating comprising the target of the third opticalfiber.
 8. The assembly of claim 1, further including a SERS-facilitatingassembly, the SERS-facilitating assembly including a base, thenanostructures extending from a proximally facing surface of the base,the base being attached to the distal end portion of the housing.
 9. Theassembly of claim 8, wherein the distal end portion of the probe housingincludes a body portion and a pair of projections extending proximallyfrom the body portion, a slot between opposing surfaces of theprojections and forming the cavity and the lateral opening, the baseadjoining the body portion and positioned between the opposing surfacesof the projections.
 10. The assembly of claim 8, wherein thenanostructures comprise nanorods extending from the base, the base beingattached to the housing.
 11. The assembly of claim 1, further includingone or more electrodes for stimulating tissue mounted to the probehousing.
 12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the one or moreelectrodes are distal to the cavity.
 13. A system comprising: anassembly including: an elongate, implantable probe housing having aproximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a longitudinal axisextending through the proximal and distal end portions of the housing, acavity extending through the probe housing and laterally with respect tothe longitudinal axis thereof, the probe housing including a lateralopening for allowing admission of fluid into the cavity, a first surfacecomprising a metal, the first surface bounding a distal end of thecavity and including nanostructures configured for enhancing Ramanspectroscopy via surface plasmon resonance, and a plurality of opticalfibers extending through the proximal end portion of the probe housing,at least a first one of the optical fibers being positioned for emittinglight into the cavity and at least a second one of the optical fibersbeing positioned for receiving light scattered near the first surface ofthe distal end portion of the housing, the first one of the opticalfibers having a distal end in opposing relation to the nanostructures;and a detector for processing scattered light, the detector beingoptically connected to at least the second one of the optical fibers.14. The system of claim 13, further including a laser source, whereinthe plurality of optical fibers further includes a third optical fiber,the first one of the optical fibers being positioned for emitting lighttowards the first surface of the distal end portion of the probe housingand the third optical fiber being positioned for emitting light towardsa target displaced from the first surface of the distal end portion ofthe probe housing, the first and third fibers being optically connectedto the laser source.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the distal endportion of the probe housing includes a first cylindrical body portionhaving a hemispherical end portion configured for transmitting lightemitted by the third optical fiber.
 16. The system of claim 13, furtherincluding a SERS-facilitating assembly including a base attached to theprobe housing, the nanostructures extending from a proximally facingsurface of the base.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein theSERS-facilitating assembly includes a plurality of nanorods extendingfrom the base and within the cavity, the base being attached to thedistal end portion of the probe housing.
 18. The system of claim 13,further including one or more electrodes for stimulating tissue mountedto the probe housing.
 19. The system of claim 13, wherein the one ormore electrodes are positioned proximal to the cavity.
 20. The system ofclaim 13, wherein the nanostructures comprise coatings of gold, silver,platinum, or titanium dioxide.